I'm running my first 10k tomorrow. Actually, the first race of any kind since junior high (a very long time ago). What should I eat tonight and tomorrow morning? I'm not even sure what to wear since it's going to be cold. I've got a long-sleeve Under Armour shirt that I'll probably wear but will shorts be okay? Any other advice?
TIA
I learned more in a year running with this group than I did the ten years prior to it.
The Runner's Edge There are some freebies on the site, but you mostly have to be a member to get the good stuff.
My advice:
Start slow. I mean it. Start slow. It is much more fun (and psychologically rewarding) passing people the last mile or two than passing everyone the first mile and then being the one passed by everyone else the last mile or two.
Load up on carbs (pasta) and a couple bananas the night before.
The day of Eat your favorite nutrigrain bar and have some juice.
When you start running look for a pace group sign. 11 or 12 min a mile group should be a good place to start. You should be able to run and talk (conversational running) for the first 2 miles. That will allow your body to adjust but not overexert yourself. You will also find your lungs opening up like they haven't in a long time. After about 30 minutes of running, your body is adjusted, now you can pick up your pace if you would like or have the energy to do so. Just remember to hydrate at every water station. I would suggest buying a package of orange slices (the candy ones at Kum and Go or Caseys) When you reach water stations, just pop one in. They taste much better than most sports goo and are much cheaper. I've run a number of half marathons with them and I've found they are just as effective. As for the long sleeve Under Armour, I'm not a fan. I always layer, Wind pants wind jacket, running shorts and running shirt. If I start overheating, I remove the outer layer. I usually have someone around mile 1 or 2 water station I could give them to if I need to take them off. I also run with a head band to cover my ears on real cold days and gloves and trax (grips for the treads of your shoes) for snowy weather.